Just in time for harvest festivals, agritourism has been spared the curse of COVID-19. Sort of.

Thursday, Washington state announced a loosening of restrictions on agritourism operations, bowling alleys, and museums for counties in Phase 2 and beyond. The change in policy provides farms with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, u-pick options, and other seasonal offerings the chance to survive through this late summer and fall at least.

The restrictions of COVID-19, be it the mask or social distance requirements, have changed how people engage with one another. Roadside fruit stands, annual community celebrations, and more were canceled or postponed at the beginning of the summer. By allowing the reopening of seasonal events like apple picking and lavender gathering, there is a sense of returning to life pre-COVID.

When agritourism businesses open up, it won’t look the same as in years’ past. Masks and social distancing will be required; hay, wagon, or train rides will be prohibited, as will animal petting areas, equipment exploration, play areas, haunted houses, and campfires; and businesses are encouraged to conduct all activities outdoors whenever possible.

It would have been preferable for the state to have consulted farms about the safety plans they had in place for the anticipated influx of visitors. But the ability to welcome visitors to their farms at all will be a boost to ability to function through the end of the year and to the customers who visit seeking out the perfect carving gourd.

This era has robbed us all of the ability to observe many traditions due to the restrictions that have been imposed. With the holiday season fast approaching, grasping this opportunity to inject some humanity back into life is welcome.

All businesses, their employees, and communities have borne an economic burden through the COVID-19 related closures. As we approach punkin patch season, stepping out into the nearest orange and green speckled field to find the spirit of fall will lighten the grim mood of the spring and summer while also scaring the boogeyman away.